Northwood High School is a public high school located in the northernmost part of Irvine, California, United States, in the Orchard Hills neighborhood. It opened in 1999, and its first graduating class graduated in 2002. In 2016, Northwood was ranked 25 nationally in Newsweek's list of top public high schools.
Serving 2,244 students in grades 9-12, Northwood High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 69% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 87% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,244 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 87% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwood High serves the northeast part of Irvine, CA, covering an area of approximately 18.2 square miles. Most families within the attendance zone are typically within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 3.1 miles to the school's edge and the furthest point being 5.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwood High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Northwood High School's student population of 2,244 students has grown by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 86 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,244 students
Total Classroom Teachers
86 teachers
Year Founded
1999
School Rankings
Northwood High School ranks within the top 5% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwood High School is 0.56, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#389 out of 9523 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
87%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
21:1
Asian
63%
12%
Hispanic
9%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
17%
20%
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
86.2%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.4%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue, Silver
School Mascot
Timberwolf
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwood High School's ranking?
Northwood High School is ranked #389 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in California.
What schools are Northwood High School often compared to?
Northwood High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Portola High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 87% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwood High School?
The graduation rate of Northwood High School is 98%, which is higher than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Northwood High School?
2,244 students attend Northwood High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Northwood High School students are Asian, 17% of students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwood High School?
Northwood High School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Northwood High School offer ?
Northwood High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Northwood High School part of?
Northwood High School is part of Irvine Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Northwood High School located?
Northwood High School is located in the Orchard Hills neighborhood of Irvine, CA.
School Calendar
View the Northwood High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last Day of School
June 04, 2027 (Friday)
School Reviews
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